Executive Zahilay Signs New Executive Order to Strengthen Protections and Support for King County’s Immigrant and Refugee Communities
On Feb. 12, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay signed a new Executive Order to strengthen protections and increase emergency resources for King County’s immigrant and refugee communities impacted by the increase in federal immigration enforcement activities. In January, Executive Zahilay hosted four immigration roundtable convenings in North, Central, South, and East King County to hear from leaders in immigrant and refugee communities about challenges they were facing and resources needed. The Executive Order, the first in Executive Zahilay’s administration, was informed by the feedback shared at the convenings. “Every resident who calls King County home, regardless of their citizenship… Read More
Four Fridays Film Festival starts Feb. 6
Crossposted from the DES Express In recognition of Black History and Culture Month, employees are invited to celebrate the legacy, the resilience and the promise of Black History, Arts and Culture with four film screenings in February. The Four Fridays “We Know Who We Are” series starts Friday, Feb. 6 and runs each Friday in February from 3 – 5:30 p.m. on Zoom. Here is the schedule and theme for each: Feb. 6: Black Panther, We are Heroic, Hosted by the Department of Executive Services Feb. 13: The Fight for Black Lives, We are… Read More
Join State Attorney General and County Executive at event recognizing Black History Month, Feb. 3
Employees are invited to join Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay at an online event recognizing Black History Month on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Attorney General Brown will talk about key milestones in Black history for our region and discuss his own journey into public service. He will be welcomed and introduced by King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom. Register here. This is a County-sponsored event and King County directors, managers, and supervisors are encouraged to permit employees to… Read More
Collaborating to advance racial and health equity
Crossposted from Public Health Insider by Matías Valenzuela, Director, Office of Equity and Community Partnerships As the year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on our work and the collaborations that have strengthened and advanced public health in King County. As the Health Equity and Anti-Racism Community Advisory Group (HEARCAG), we’re proud to share a sample of some of the impacts and accomplishments of 2025. The Health Equity and Anti-Racism Community Advisory Group in 2025 HEARCAG has: Held space to organize and share information in the face of challenging federal changes. Launched a policy committee… Read More
RISE “Mosaic of Us” event brings community, culture, and connection to Metro
By the RISE Leadership Team On Dec. 3, King County employees from across the organization came together for Mosaic of Us, a vibrant community building gathering that honored the immigrant, refugee, and multicultural communities who enrich our workplaces, strengthen our teams, and call King County home. Hosted by the Refugees and Immigrants Support and Empowerment (RISE) employee resource group, the event uplifted the voices of immigrant and refugee employees and celebrated the strength of our diverse workforce. Held at the Central/Atlantic Bus Base, the event opened with a warm welcome from Executive Girmay Zahilay,… Read More
Honoring Native American Heritage Month
Crossposted from Metro Matters Each November, Native American Heritage Month invites us to honor the history, cultures, and enduring contributions of Native peoples throughout our region and across the nation. At Metro, this is also a time to reflect on how our work connects to the values of stewardship, respect, and community—values long upheld by the Indigenous peoples of this land. We acknowledge that Metro operates on the ancestral lands of the Muckleshoot, Snoqualmie, Puyallup, Tulalip, Suquamish, Coast Salish Tribes, and the Duwamish people. These communities have cared for the land and… Read More
Executive Braddock announces upgrades to Metro’s Access paratransit service, improving freedom and flexibility for riders with disabilities living in rural communities
Crossposted from Metro Matters Recently, King County Executive Shannon Braddock and Metro announced an improved customer experience for Access paratransit service customers and seniors, especially in rural communities, delivering on one of the key priorities in the Executive’s 200-Day Plan. People with disabilities who live in rural communities and use Access will have an easier time making reservations and enjoy improved on-time arrivals. There are also pilot programs that range from grocery delivery to same-day reservations. These services – alongside new in-person support for Access paratransit, Community Van, and Hopelink – will offer… Read More
Recognizing the service of Metro veterans
Crossposted from Metro Matters This Veterans Day, we recognized and thanked all of Metro’s military service members, past and present, for their service and sacrifice. Your continued commitment to public service strengthens our community. On Monday, Nov. 10, we held a ceremonial flag raising at one of our facilities honor the courage and dedication of veterans and their families. In addition to this ceremony, we’re also continuing our annual tradition of highlighting Metro colleagues who have served in the military. This year, I’m pleased to share the stories of four veterans —Nicholas Warren, Ruy… Read More
In recognition of our veterans
As Veterans Day approaches, the Employee Giving Program (EGP) extends gratitude to all people that have served. This holiday honors all U.S. military veterans for their discipline, commitment, and sacrifice in service of our country. We hope to show appreciation for those who have served and support veterans long-term following their service. Here are a few EGP nonprofits that support veterans and their families. Read more. To see the full list and discover more search online or review the 2025 Giving Guide of nonprofits by service category. Start or renew your pledge through Employee Giving on… Read More
Native American Leadership Council: Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the histories, cultures, and enduring contributions of Native Peoples across the United States. It is also an opportunity to recognize the challenges that continue to affect Indigenous communities and to reaffirm our collective commitment to equity, respect, and partnership. The mission of the King County Native American Leadership Council (NALC) exists to create an entity where First Nations, indigenous people, and our allies can come together to build community, leadership, employee enrichment, and cultural preservation. Learn more about the Native American Leadership Council here…. Read More
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